13 June 2012

Sibelius Workshop - Joining the Dots ...

The Folk Club's Sibelius Workshop was held at Outlets on Sat June 9.  Annette Fechener, a local composer ran the session and there were three very keen students of Sibelius ready to learn the skills.

Alan Davies purchased a copy of Sibelius for the folk club and we had three computers to use.  This meant that it was very hands on and most engaging.  Fran had downloaded a 30 day trial version of the program – for future reference this is something that could have been publicised beforehand and may have encouraged others to come along. 

Annette was a fantastic teacher.  We provided her with a data show projector and she brought her own computer and this was a really effective way of introducing people to the basics of the program and providing them exercises to follow.  Annette had prepared a folder of information, short-cuts and exercises for people to work on and to take home, and the group was duly impressed by this preparation and her insight into the program.  As a result people quickly gained the skills, and this lead to a sense of empowerment which stimulated quite an exciting vibe (Whoo! I can do this!) as people learnt and were able to show off their accomplishments. 

The value of the workshop? 
-          We have three people in the club who have developed their music writing skills and can use Sibelius to write melodies, chord charts, and parts for groups.  This is a significant achievement. 
-        The folk club has a registered copy of Sibelius that we can use in the future
-          This was another opportunity for Outlets, and Therese to again support the aims of the folk club (thanks Therese)
-        We have tapped in to the talents of a local composer - Annette
-        The session was a really social learning environment – this is one of the great benefits of the folk club in that it provides people with a place to come together, socialise and learn within the context of a shared interest in music.  

So despite not pulling a big crowd the workshop was successful.  It will be interesting to see the fruits of the learning over the next twelve months. 

Michael Stewart

 Annnette (left) shows Fran the shortcuts for writing tunes on Sibelius

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